The PBS story says that "after studying five crocodilian species on Africa, Australia and North America, the team found that the reptiles can climb as high as six feet off the ground. Juveniles have been spotted as high as 30 feet. Combined with anecdotal evidence in these areas, the researchers found that the smaller crocodiles were able to vertically scale trees, while their larger counterparts relied on angled branches.

"The team concludes that tree-climbing ability allows the cold-blooded species to regulate their body temperature -- bask in the sun -- and keep tabs of their surroundings. The researchers observed that the crocodiles were 'skittish,' fleeing from their heights if observers approached too closely."

CBS News notes that "Crocodiles are usually considered ground-dwellers, but a few anecdotes suggested they climb at least occasionally. Local reports from Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia and Botswana, among other spots described crocs basking in mangroves and other trees. A photographer even snapped a shot of a croc cousin, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) in a tree about 4 to 6 feet (2 to 3 meters) above the water at the Pearl River Delta in Mississippi."